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ST. PETERSBURG — Claims that homophobia incited police to raid an erotic art gallery are being dismissed by some neighbors in the Grand Central District who opined that the owner was in clear violation of a city ordinance that bans places that serve alcohol from allowing the public display of genitals.
William Schramm, owner of 2501 Gallery, was charged with battery of a law enforcement officer and the unlawful exposure of private parts.
He and Joshua Culotta, a model, were arrested during an art opening Friday night where Culotta was suspended naked from the ceiling.
Police raided the gallery after a neighbor complained about an oversized penis statue displayed near the entrance, but Schramm reportedly claims he was targeted because he is a gay man whose gallery focuses on homoerotic images.
Jim Longstreth, a board member for the Historic Kenwood and Grand Central District associations, which both represent areas near 2501 Gallery, said the community is inclusive of "all kinds, all colors."
"This is a very diverse community and the tolerance is very tolerant and liberal," Longstreth said. "This claim that he is being picked on because he is gay is ludicrous."
Longstreth said he remembers when strip clubs in the district were forced to close in the 1970s and 1980s citing a similar ordinance. He said Schramm's argument is unfortunate to the area because there is room for erotic art galleries in Grand Central as long as the long-standing ordinance is followed.
Haydee Santana, executive director of the Grand Central District Association, called the arrest isolated.
"We have a good relationship with the police," Santana said. "We meet with them once a month on our concerns."
Santana said there is no typical concern from the community, but noted that a community officer speaks on behalf of the "eclectic" district. She added that she did not think the arrest would cause prospective businesses not to move into the district.
Longstreth said he cannot speak for the entire community, but he feels the general feeling is Schramm was wrong.
"He was trying to pick a fight," Longstreth said. "Why would anyone expect naked men to be allowed?"
Eddie R. Cole can be reached at ecole@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8779.
[Last modified: Aug 04, 2008 03:18 PM]
Comments on this article
by Jim K
Aug 4, 2008 3:18 PM
Schramm knew he was going to be arrested. He's a professional victim. I agree that he should be able to have his gallery, but he doesn't need to flaunt his agenda & overstep the bounds of the law. BTW, Danner is not prejudice or homophobic, Baker is.
by Jimmy B
Jul 31, 2008 3:23 PM
Now that the monster penis has been removed, what's going on with those taxi cab murders?
by Chris
Jul 30, 2008 2:07 PM
As someone what was at the gallery that night. The St Pete Police were not being homophobic or discriminatory to any of the patrons. That is not to say I wouldn't rather them deal with the more serious crime in the area however. drugs? Muggings?
by Mike
Jul 30, 2008 2:05 PM
Longstreth's claim aside, Baker (and I believe Danner as well) follow a form of Christianity based on a prejudicial misreading of Christ's teachings. Police were in the gallery already when the raid occurred; Schramm was clearly targeted.
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